Electrical multipurpose shop tool



July 9, 1963 L. EQPUGSLEY 3,096,798

ELECTRICAL MULTIPURPOSE SHOP TOOL Filed June 6, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet ll/AwQEA/cze E ueszg INVENTOR.

BY MS Arm/2M5 4 Mew-5,157.55; R0552? Lk'E/eM July 9, 1963 E. PUGSLEYELECTRICAL MULTIPURPOSE SHOP TOOL 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 6, 1960134 .ZAWQEA/CE 1 05.525

INVENTOR.

2215, M50; flasssu KER/K y 1963 L. E. PUGSLEY 3,096,798

ELECTRICAL MULTIPURPOSE SHOP TOOL Filed June 6, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 3LAWQEA/CE P0631. E

INVEN TOR.

July 9, 1963 L. E. PUGSLEY 3, ,7

ELECTRICAL MULTIPURPOSE SHOP TOOL Filed June a, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 4J84 INVENTOR. .LAWREA/CE 15. P065413,

BY MS 4rram/eg5.

1122215, .lbea-g, 19055541. .K'EQM' July 9, 1963 E. PUGSLEY 3,096,798

ELECTRICAL MULTIPURPOSE SHOP TOOL Filed June 6. 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 KM m p s H V a m g L J a m I E 6 w M y R w w ,H M E f. K mau w mmm ll Q Ily lm United States Patent 3,096,798 ELECTRICAL MULTIPURPOSE SHOP TOOLLawrence E. Pugsley, Box 656, RR. 1, Escondido, Calif. Filed June 6,1960, Ser. No. 34,163 25 Claims. (Cl'. 144-1) The present inventionrelates generally to the power tool art and more particularly to a novelmultipurpose power tool of the type which may be used as a hand or benchpower tool in a home workshop.

Briefly stated, the device includes a basic unit containing front andrear plate members positioned in parallel spaced relationship and havingan electrically operated power unit with rotatable work-tool supportingmeans mounted on the rear plate member for transverse movement towardand away from the front plate member. The latter member is provided witha relatively large work-tool passageway adjacent the center thereof anda number of rod-receiving apertures adjacent the work tool passageway,the apertures having clamping means asso- :ciated therewith formaintaining the rods inserted therein in predetermined position relativeto the plate member. When a drill bit is mounted in the work-toolsupporting means, the :device is usable as a hand power drill. However,the main utility of the present invention resides in the use of severalsimple auxiliary members with the basic unit, either singly or incombination, whereby the assembled unit can function as one of manydifferent types of hand and bench-type power tools. These auxiliairymembers include a vise member with guide rods which extend into theapertures; a table which can be removably clamped to either the basicunit or to the vise member; and a rip fence which can be used with thebasic unit, with the vise member, and with the table.

As is well known in the industry, there is a relatively large andconsistent demand for woodworking power tools which can be used in thehome workshop by amateur carpenters, cabinet makers and hobbyists.Unfortunately, at the present time the main deterrent to a morewidespread usage and sale of home workshop power tools is the fact thatmany different types of tools or pieces of equipment are required toprovide an adequately equipped shop, and the total cost of the pluralityof individual tools or pieces of equipment is more than many persons canpay or are wiling to pay. Another disadvantage occasioned by the use ofa plurality of such tools is that they occupy a relatively large area orworkspace, and many homes do not contain the necessary space toaccommodate them.

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a novelmultipurpose power tool which will perform the functions of a largenumber of individual hand and bench-type power tools now used in theconventional amateurs woodworking shop. More particularly, it is anobject to provide such a multipurpose power tool which can be used as adrill press a hand power saw, a table saw, a saber saw, a jigsaw, arouter, a bench grinder and sander-and in numerous other capacities.More particularly, it is an object to provide a device which includes asingle power source and a stand or support therefor, and several simpleattachments which can be used therewith so that the assembled unit canbe used to perform the woodworking functions of a vast array ofpresently known power tools.

Another object is to provide a novel multipurpose power tool which isrelatively simple in design but of rugged and dependable construction.More particularly, it is an object to provide such a device which is sorugged and strong that it will have a relatively long life expectancywith a minimum'amount of maintenance and which is simple in design andoperation whereby amateur craftsmen 3,096,798 Patented July 9, 1963 caneasily and quickly convert the device from one type of tool to another.

A further object is to provide a novel power member with a work-toolholder and a support therefor whereby the position of the work-toolholder can be easily and quickly adjusted both axially and laterallyrelative to the support. More particularly, it is an object to providesuch power member and support therefor whereby the power member and itswork-tool holder can be moved axially of the supporting housing or standas in drilling operations, and can also be adjusted in a lateraldirection as when a saw blade or the like is mounted in the worktoolholder.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following detailed description, reference being had to theaccompanying drawings wherein preferred embodiments of the presentinvention are shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the power unit and its supporting sleevemember shown in spaced-apart relationship;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view (on a reduced scale) of an alternativepower unit and supporting sleeve construction;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side elevational view, partially in cross section,showing a power unit mounted in its supporting sleeve;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the detent mountedin the wall of the power unit as shown in the right-hand side of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the device assembled and positioned foruse in drilling holes in a vertical surface;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the device positioned for use as a drillpress;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device assembled and positioned foruse in drilling a series of laterally spaced holes in an elongatedworkpiece;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the device assembled and positioned foruse as a table saw;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on theline 1010 in FIG. 9';

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary side elevational view taken on the line 1111 inFIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the device assembled for use as a handdrill so that it may be used in drilling a series of holes apredetermined distance from the edge of a large workpiece;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the device assembled andpositioned for use as a saber saw with an adjustable stop for ripping astrip of predetermined width from an elongated workpiece;

7 FIG. 14- is a front elevational view taken on the line 1414 in FIG.13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the device assembled and positioned foruse as a grinder or sander; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the device assembled and positioned foruse as a router.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numerals, 20indicates a power unit adapted to be supported in a framework 22 whichincludes a mounting sleeve 24. As shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, the powerunit 20 includes a cylindrical housing 26 which has a handle assembly 28fastened to one end thereof, said assembly containing a handle 30provided with a switch button 32 and diametrically opposed recessed maleelectrical sockets 34. Mounted within the housing 26 is an electricalmotor 36 with a splined shaft 38 which drives a high-speed internallythreaded socket 40 and a lowspeed internally threaded socket 42 throughgears 44, 46 and 48, said sockets being adapted to receive aconventional J acobs chuck 50. A plate 52 covers the operating end ofthe powerunit and is fastened to the housing 26 by long screws 54 whichare threaded into a partition wall 56.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the housing 26 is provided withdiametrically opposed ball-like detents 58 (FIGS. 4 and for use inpositioning the power unit 20 in the supporting sleeve 24. Turningbriefly to a consideration of the sleeve 24 as shown in FIG. 1, one endthereof is provided with diametrically opposed mounting tabs 60 whichcontain screw-receiving apertures 62 and the other end is formed or cuton the bias as at 64 so that the power unit 20 can be more easilyinserted therein, as will be described more fully hereinafter. Adjacentthe end of the sleeve whidh contains the tabs 69 is an inner annulargroove 66 which communicates with longitudinally extending grooves 68which are parallel with the axis of the sleeve 24 and which terminate atthe edge 64. It will be apparent that when the power unit 20 is insertedin the sleeve 24 the detents 53 are first positioned in thelongitudinally extending grooves 68 and, if the power unit 20 isinserted far enough into the sleeve, the detents will pass into and berestrained by the annular groove 66. Thus, the longitudinal grooves 68guide the movement of the power unit in the axial direction, and, whenthe detents 58 are positioned in the annular groove 66, the power unit20 can be rotated to vary the position of the sockets 40 and 42 relativeto any fixed point on the periphery of the sleeve 24, for a purpose toappear. Thumb screws 70 extend through the wall of the sleeve 24 forholding engagement with the housing 26 to maintain the power unit 20 inadjusted position relative to the sleeve 24.

As shown in FIG. 2, the same result can be achieved by using a sleevewhich contains detents 72 and a power unit which has an annular groove74 and two longitudinally extending grooves 76 formed in the outersurface of the housing.

Turning to a consideration of the supporting framework 22 (FIG. 6), itincludes a front plate member 78 and a rear plate member 80 which areperpendicular to the axis of the sleeve 24 and are maintained inparallel spaced-apart relationship by opposed side panels 81 and 82.Obviously, other types of members other than the panels 81 and 82 couldbe used for the purpose of supporting the plate members in spacedrelationship, as for example tubular members or the like. Forconvenience of description, the edges of the plate members upon which.the device is resting as shown in FIG. 6 will be referred to hereinafteras the bottom edges and the sides opposite thereto will be referred toas the top edges.

Referring to the rear plate member 80, it is provided with a largeopening at the center thereof which receives the sleeve 24, the latterbeing secured to the inner face of the plate member by screws 84 (FIG.8) which pass through the screw-receiving openings 62 in the mountingtabs 60. Two upper apertures 86 are located in the rear plate member 80adjacent the top edge thereof and associated therewith are tubularsockets 88 Which are fastened to the plate so as to extend toward thefront plate member, the tubular sockets being provided with thumb screws90 for a purpose to appear. Similar lower apertures (not shown) andassociated tubular sockets 94 with thumb screws 96 are provided adjacentthe bottom edge of the rear plate member 80 (FIG. 8). An elongated handslot 98 is also contained in the rear plate member 80 adjacent thebottom edge thereof.

The front plate member 78 contains a large circular work-tool receivingopening 100 adjacent the center thereof in axial alignment with thepower unit 20, and a similar hand slot 102 adjacent the bottom edgethereof. The front plate member is also provided with two upperapertures 104 adjacent the top edge thereof with associated tubularsockets 106 which extend inwardly and which contain thumb screws 108. Inlike manner, there are two apertures 110 (FIG. 9) adjacent the bottomedge of the front plate member which have tubular sockets 112 and thumbscrews 114 (FIG. 6) associated therewith. Two tapped holes 115 (FIG. 8)are provided adjacent the lower edge of the large circular opening 100for use in supporting a saber saw as will be described more fullyhereinafter. The outer face of the front plate member 78 contains avertically extending V-sh-aped groove 116 which bisects the circularopening 100. Formed in the left-hand edge of the front plate member arean upper pin-receiving recess 118 and a lower pin-receiving recess 120,and formed in the right-hand edge thereof area similarly placed upperpin-receiving recess 122 and a lower pin-receiving recess 124 (FIG. 15).The left-hand edge of the front plate member also contains an internallythreaded recess 126 immediately below the upper pin-receiving recess 118for use in adjusting the position of a table member relative to thesupporting framework, as will be described more fully hereinafter.

As shown in a number of the figures, including FIGS. 6 and 7, the devicemay include a vise member 128 which comprises a square vise plate 130having a large circular opening 132 adjacent the center thereof and ahand slot 134 adjacent what can be considered to be the bottom edge asshown in FIG. 6. A vertically extending V-shaped groove 136 is formed inthe inner face of the vise plate 130 so as to bisect the vise plate andthe circular opening 132. Formed in the side edges of the vise plateadjacent the top thereof are opposed pin-receiving recesses 138 and 140,and below the recess 140 is an internally threaded recess 142 similar tothe recess 126 previously described. Two guide rods 144 and 146 arefastened to the inner face of the vise plate 13!) adjacent the top edgethereof so as to extend perpendicularly from the plate in a parallelrelationship, the guide rods being spaced-apart a distance equal to thespacing be tween the tubular sockets 106 and between the tubular sockets112 previously described. It is preferable to have the guide rods ofunequal length whereby it is easier to insert them in each set ofsockets as will be apparent when the assembly of the unit is discussedhereinafter.

Turning to a consideration of the operation of the device, if it isdesired to drill holes which are absolutely normal to a flat surfacesuch as a wall or table top, the vise member 128 may be used with theframework 122 or it may be omitted, depending upon the length of thedrill bit which is to be used in the Iacobs chuck 50. As indicatedhereinabove, the chuck 50 may be threaded either in the high-speedsocket 40 or in the low-speed socket 42 depending on the type ofmaterial in which the holes are to be drilled. Assuming that arelatively short drill bit is to be used, the vise member 128 would notbe required and only the power unit 20 and the framework 22 would beused. Thus, the chuck end of the power unit 20 would be positioned onthe projecting lip of the edge 64 of the sleeve 24 and the detents 58guided into the longitudinally extending grooves 68. The front platemember 78 would then be positioned against the surface to be drilled andthe power unit 20 moved axially of the sleeve 24 by means of the handle30. It should be noted that the framework can be supported by means ofthe hand slot 98 and that the switch button 32 is in the handle so thatthe unit is designed for one-man operation. Because the grooves 76 areparallel with the axis of the sleeve 24 and the front plate member 78 isperpendicular to the aforementioned axis, the hole which is drilled willalso be perpendicular to the front plate member 78 and the surfaceagainst which it is positioned.

If a long drill bit were used so that it would project beyond the frontplate member '78 when the power unit 20 is moved to its most rearwardposition relative to the sleeve 24, the vise member 128 should be usedas an extension. Thus, the vise member 128 would be used in the mannershown in FIG. 6 in which the guide rods 144 and 146 are inserted throughthe upper apertures 104 and into the tubular sockets 106. Because oneguide rod is longer than the other, it is only necessary to insert oneat a time in each aperture thereby facilitating the assembling of theunit. After the guide rods have been inserted into the sockets 106 theproper distance, the thumb screws 108 are tightened so as to lock thevise member 128 in position with the vise plate 130 parallel with thefront plate member 78. Consequently, when the vise plate 130 is heldagainst a fiat surface and the power unit 20 is moved axially of thesleeve 24 in the manner previously described, the bit will drill a 'holein the workpiece which is perpendicular to the surface of the workpieceand the vise plate 130. FIG. 6 shows the device in position to drill ahole in a vertical surface and FIG. 7 shows the device in position todrill a hole in a horizontal surface. In addition, the assembly shown inFIG. 7 can be used for drilling holes in workpieces which are fastenedto the assembly; in short, the member 128 can be used as one jaw of avise. Thus, assuming that it is desired to drill a hole in a cylindricalwooden workpiece such as a dowel rod (not shown), the rod would bepositioned in the V-shaped groove 136 and the thumb screws 108 loosenedto permit the front plate member 178 to be lowered until the V-shapedgroove 116 thereof engaged the upper surface of the rod. The thumbscrews 188 would then be tightened so as to hold the rod securelybetween the vise plate 130 and the front plate member 78 while the powerunit 20 is moved in the sleeve 24 in the manner previously described soas to drill a hole through the cylindrical workpiece.

As shown in FIG. 8, the vise member 128 can also be used with theframework 22 for drilling holes in an elongated member, as for example aflat board such as a 1" x 6" (not shown). In this operation, the visemember 128 is turned around from the position shown in FIG. 6 so thatthe guide rods 144 and 146 are inserted through the lower apertures 110and 112 and 94, the thumb screws 114 and 96 being loosened so that thevise member 128 is free to move relative to the front plate member 78. Arip fence 148 is then mounted on the vise plate 130 in the propervertical position relative to the drill bit supported in the chuck 50.The rip fence 148 contains a guide member which is of V-sh-aped crosssection with a continuous leg portion 150 and a leg portion 152 whichcontains two elongated parallel slots 154. A fixed jaw member 156 isfastened to one end of the leg portion 152 and an adjustable jaw member158 is mounted in the slots 154 whereby the rip fence can be clamped toa table or to the vise plate 138 as shown in FIG. 8. After the rip fence148 has been secured in the proper position, the board to be drilled canbe supported on the leg portion 150 with one face thereof held againstthe inner face of the vise plate 138. Consequently, when the vise member128 and the rip fence 148 are moved toward the bit and the power unit 20(the latter being held in fixed position by means of the thumb screws70), a hole will be drilled in the board. The vise member 128 and theboard can then be backed away from the bit and the board moved along theleg portion 150 to the position where another hole is to be drilled. Inthis manner, a series of aligned holes can be drilled in a board, eachhole being the same distance from the lower edge of the board which wassupported on the rip fence 148. As shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable tofasten the supporting frame work 22 to a table or the like during thedrilling operation as by means of a C-clamp 160 or the like. It willalso be obvious that the vise member 128 could be fixed in positionrelative to the framework 22 as by tightening the thumb screws 114 and96, and the thumb screws 70 loosened so that the power unit 20 would befree to be moved axially of the sleeve 24.

If it is desired to use the device as a table saw (FIG. 9), the visemember 128 and the drill bit are removed and a shaft and saw bladeassembly 162 are mounted in the chuck S0 with the saw blade exterior ofthe framework 22. In this operation, the power unit 20 is moved into thesleeve 24 until the detents 58 are positioned in the annular groove 66whereby the power unit can be rotated in the sleeve to raise and lowerthe saw blade as will be described more fully hereinafter. In order tosupport the workpiece relative to the saw blade at table 164 isprovided, the table being mounted on the upper portion of the supportingframework 22 so that it can be tilted relative thereto and locked inselected tilted position. Thus, the table 164 has a rectangular topportion 166 with depending flange-like edge portions 168 formed integraltherewith. Formed in the top portion adjacent the center thereof is asaw slot 170 and adjacent thereto is a router opening 172. Adjacent oneedge of the top portion is a groove 174 for receiving the guide bar of aconventional mitre gage (not shown). As shown in FIG. 11, a semicircularprotractor-like plate 176 is fastened to the under side of the topportion 166 by means of spaced clips 178 so as to depend therefrominwardly of one of these edge portions 168. A pin 180 is mountedadjacent the upper edge of the plate 176 so as to extend into thepin-receiving recess 118. Adjacent the lower edge of the plate is anarcuate slot 182 which receives a threaded thumb screw 184 which extendsinto the threaded recess 126. A retaining Washer 186 (FIG. 10) preventsthe screw from falling out of the slot 182 when the table is not in use.If desired, the arcuate edge of the plate 176 can be provided with anangular scale 188 and an arrow 190 or other type of datum line can bemarked on the framework 22 below the plate. Also fastened to the underside of the top portion 166 in alignment with the pin 180 is a tubularhousing 192 (FIG. 10) which contains a slot provided with an inoperativenotch 194 and an operative notch 196. Mounted in the housing 192 is acoiled spring 198 which bears against one end of a latch bolt 200 whichhas a reduced end 202 positioned in the pin-receiving recess 122. Thebolt 200 is provided with a handle 204 whereby it can be moved intoengagement with either of the aforementioned notches. Thus, it will beapparent that in order to use the device as a bench saw, it is merelynecessary to position the shaft and saw blade assembly 162 in the chuck50 (as previously mentioned) and fasten the table 164 in a horizontal ortilted position, as desired. The last-mentioned step can be easily andquickly accomplished by moving the latch bolt 200 to the inoperativeposition with the handle in the notch 194, engaging the pin 180 in therecess 118, aligning the bolt 200 with the recess 122 and releasing thehandle 204 from the notch 194 to cause the reduced end 202 to be movedinto the recess 122 by the action of the spring 198. The handle is thenmoved into the operative notch 196, thereby locking the table inposition on the framework 22. Thereafter, the thumb screw 184 is engagedin the recess 126, and after the table is pivoted or tilted to thedesired angular position, the thumb screw 184 can be tightened to lockthe plate 176 against the side panel 81. As shown in FIG. 9, the samerip fence 148 can also be used with the table 164 when the device isbeing used as a table saw.

As mentioned hereinabove, the vertical position of the saw bladerelative to the table 164 (and therefore the depth of cut) can be variedby merely rotating the power unit 20 within the sleeve 24 with thedetents 58 positioned in the annular groove 66. Thus, by referring toFIG. 4 and assuming that the saw blade is supported in the lowspeedchuck, the blade will be at its lowermost position when the power unit20 is in the position shown in FIG. 4. When the power unit 20 is rotated90 in either direction, the saw blade will be raised one half of itstravel and when it is rotated the full 180 the blade will have beenraised a distance equal to the spacing between the centers of thelow-speed and the high-speed sockets 42 and 40, respectively. Obviously,the power unit 20 and therefore the saw blade can be locked in anyselected position by means of the thumb screws 71) which engage thehousing 26.

If desired, a second latch bolt assembly and associated pin 286 (onlythe pin 266 being shown as in FIGS. 9 and can be mounted on the table164 for use when the device is employed as a router as will be describedmore fully when the assembly shown in FIG. 16 is discussed.

The device can also be used as a hand power tool for drilling holes apredetermined distance from the edge of a door or other flat surface byemploying the rip fence 148 in the manner shown in FIG. 12. Thus, withthe power unit 28 positioned in the sleeve 24 so that the detents 58ride in the longitudinally extending grooves 68, the rip fence 148 canbe fastened to the outer surface of the front plate member 78 apredetermined distance from the drill bit which obviously can be held ineither the high-speed or low-speed chuck position. If desired,graduations 208 can be marked on the outer face of the plate members 78so that the rip fence 148 can be quickly clamped in the proper positionrelative to the drill bit without measuring the distance between thefence and the bit. After the unit has been assembled as described, theouter face of the plate member 78 can be positioned against the surfaceto be drilled with the leg portion 158 of the rip fence in engagementwith the edge of the door or the like being worked upon. The power unit28 can then be energized, and by moving the power unit 20' in the sleeve24 the first hole can be drilled in the workpiece. The power unit 20 isthen backed off, the framework 22 moved along the surface with the ripfence 148 in contact with the edge thereof, and another hole easily andquickly drilled in the workpiece the same distance from the edge as thefirst hole.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the device can also be used as a hand powersaw, either with or without a guide member, by merely turning theframework 22 so that it rests on the top edges of the front and rearplate members. Thus, the saw blade assembly previously described can bereplaced with a conventional saber saw unit 210 which includes a driveshaft 212 fastened in the chuck 58, a housing 214 fastened to the outersurface of the front plate 78 in a manner to be described, and a sawblade 216 which projects from the housing. The housing 214 containstransversely projecting ears 218 which are provided with openings forreceiving machine screws 228 which extend into the tapped holes 115thereby securely fastening the saw unit 218 to the supporting framework.It will be readily apparent that with the power unit 2% locked inposition by means of the thumb screws 70, the unit can be grasped bymeans of the hand slot 182 and the handle 38 and the saw blade 216 usedfor ripping a board as shown in F1G. 13. If it is desired to use a guideto accurately control the width of the strip being ripped from theboard, the vise member 128 can be employed for this purpose by insertingthe guide rods 144 and 146 in the apertures 184 with the vise plate 130'extending in the same direction as the saw blade 216. In this manner theguide rods 144 and 146 can be clamped in any desired position by meansof the thumb screws 114 whereby the saw blade 216 can be guided apredetermined distance from the edge of the board.

It will also be apparent from the previous description of the table sawassembly (FIG. 9) that the table 164 can also be used with the saber sawunit 21%) whereby the device can be used as a table-type jigsaw with thesaw blade 216 extending upwardly through the saw slot 170 (not shownbecause of similarity to other views).

If it is desired to have a sander or grinder, the various units can bearranged in the manner shown in FIG. 15 wherein the work tool is agrinding wheel or sander disc assembly 222 which includes -a shaftgripped by the chuck 50 previously described. In this arrangement theframework 22 is positioned adjacent the edge of a flat surface such as awork bench or table and the vise member 128 has its guide rods 144and'146 inserted in the apertures 1111 contained in the front platemember 178 so that the vise plate projects downwardly below the edge ofthe work bench. This places the pin-receiving recesses 138 and 140 andthe threaded recess 142 adjacent the uppermost edge of the vise plate.Thereafter, the table 164 is positioned on the vise plate 130 with thepin 180 thereof positioned in the recess 140, (the end 202 of the latchbolt 200 positioned in the recess 138 (the handle 284 of the bolt beingmoved into the looking or operative notch 1%) and the thumb screw 184threaded into the recess 142. The table 164 is then leveled by means ofthe graduated semicircular plate 176 and the thumb screw 148 tightenedto lock the table 164 in position. Thereafter, the table 164 and thevise member 128 are moved inwardly toward the framework 22 with theguide rods 144 and 146 sliding in the sockets 112 until the end of thetable 164 abuts the outer face of the front plate member 78. The thumbscrews 114 are then tightened, thereby locking the unit in assembledposition. As previously mentioned, the power unit 28' would normally belocked in position in the sleeve 24 by means of the thumb screws 711 Yetanother arrangement of the various components is shown in FIG. 16wherein the device is used as a router, a routing tool 224 beingfastened in the chuck 58 in the same manner as the other work toolspreviously described. As the first step in assembling the device as arouter, the vise member 128 is positioned on a fiat surface such as thetop of a work bench, with the guide rods 144 and 146 extending upwardly.The framework 22 (with the power unit 20 locked in position in thesleeve 24 and without the outer tool 224 afiixed) is then positioned onthe guide rods 144 and 146 whereby the latter extend through theapertures 36 in the rear plate member 81) and into the sockets 88. Withthe handle 30 bearing on the inner face of the vise plate 138 the thumbscrews 9%) are tightened so as to lock the unit in assembled positionwith the chuck 51) extending vertically upwardly. The table 164previously described is then positioned on the front plate member withthe pin 181) in the recess 118 and the reduced end 2112 of the latchbolt 288 in the recess 122. In this assembly another tapped opening canbe provided adjacent the opening 126 in the side panel 81 for receivingthe thumb screw 184 so as to be used in locking the table 164 in ahorizontal position, or, a second pin and latch bolt assembly can beused. If the latter type of construction is employed, the pin 286(similar to the pin 181)) is positioned in the recess and the end of thesecond latch bolt (not shown) is positioned in the recess 124. Thus, thetable 164 can be securely fastened to the end of :the framework 22without any possibility of the table being tilted or tipped during therouting operation. With the table in position, the router tool 224 isinserted through [the opening 172 and into holding engagement with thechuck 58. As shown in FIG. 16, the rip fence 148 can also be used withthis arrangement.

It will be obvious from the above description that the framework 22, thetable 164, and the vise member 128 can be used together in othercombinations and with other cutting and forming tools so as .to provideother types of hand and bench power tools which may be used in a homeworkshop. By way of illustration of -a further adaptation, the assemblycan be used for quickly drilling holes in a predetermined position inthe edge surface of a fiat member such as a door or the like. Thus,assuming that it is desired to drill a series of vertically spaced holesin the exact center of the edge surface of a hung door or a number ofdoors, the vise member 128 (FIG. 6) would be removed from the framework22 and two short guide rods (not shown) inserted in diagonallypositioned tubular sockets 106 and 112 and locked in position therein soas .to project from the outer face of the front plate member 78. Theassembly would then be positioned adjacent the edge of the door with theshort guide rods on opposite sides thereof and the framework rotated tobring the guide rods into engagement with the opposed surfaces of thedoor. The power unit 26 would then be rotated in its sleeve 24 until thedrill bit was in alignment with the center of the door edge, and thethumb screws 70 were tightened to lock the unit in position. Thereafter,in order to drill other holes in the center of the edge surface of thesame door or other doors of similar width, it is only necessary to forkthe short guide rods on the door edge, rotate the assembly to bring therods into engagement with the faces of the door, and move the assemblytoward the edge until the proper depth hole has been drilled.

Consequently, it is apparent that there has been provided a novelmultipurpose power tool which fulfills all of the objects and advantagessought therefor. The device is relatively simple in design and containsonly a few components; yet the various components can be easily andquickly assembled together in various arrangements to provide a widerange of hand and bench-type power tools. Because the components arerelatively few in number, a device of this type is relativelyinexpensive. Also, because there is only one power unit and itssupporting framework, the device requires very little storage space orworking space. Therefore, it is ideally suited for the small home-typeworkshop and for use by the amateur woodworker or cabinetrnaker.However, the device is sufficiently rugged and versatile so that it canbe advantageously employed by the professional craftsman as well.

1t is to be understood that the foregoing description and theaccompanying drawings have been given only by way of illustration andexample and that changes and alterations in the present disclosure whichwill be readily apparent to one skilled in the art are contemplated aswithin the scope of the present invention.

1 claim:

1. A multipurpose power tool comprising: front plate and rear framemembers positioned in fixed, spaced-apart relationship providing atleast three points in a common plane for supporting the tool on a flatsurface in operative position; an electrically operated power unitcontaining a shaft with rotatable work-tool supporting means supportedon the rear frame member for axial movement towand and away from thefront plate member, the axis of said shaft being substantially'parallelwith the aforementioned common plane whereby the same is substantiallyparallel with the flat surface on which the tool may be positioned; awork-tool passageway in the front plate member in alignment with thework-tool supporting means; and means on said front plate member for supporting workpiece-engaging means whereby a workpiece engaged thereby isin operative relationship with the work-tool supporting means.

2. A multipurpose power tool comprising: front plate and rear framemembers positioned in fixed, spaced-apart relationship providing atleast three points in a common plane for supporting the tool on a fiatsurface in operative position; an electrically operated power unitcontaining a shaft with rotatable work-tool supporting means supportedon the rear frame member for axial movement toward and away from thefront plate member, the axis of said shaft being substantially parallelwith the aforemen tioned common plane whereby the same is substantiallyparallel with the flat surface on which the tool may be positioned; awork-tool passageway in the front plate member in alignment with thework-tool supporting means; and workpiece-engaging means removably andadjustably mounted on said front plate member for supporting a workpiecein operative relationship with the work-tool supporting means.

3. A multipurpose power tool comprising: front plate and rear framemembers positioned in fixed, spaced-apart relationship providing atleast three points in a common plane for supporting the tool on a flatsurface in operative position; a cylindrical electrically operated powerunit containing rotatable work-tool supporting means adjacent one endthereof supported on the rear frame member for rotational movementrelative thereto and for movement toward and away from the front platemember, said power unit being rotatable through substantially 360degrees relative to its support, said work-tool supporting means beingoffset from the center of the power unit; means for maintaining thepower unit in selected rotational position relative to its support andin selected position relative to the front plate member; a work-toolpassageway in the front plate member in alignment with the work-toolsupporting means; and means on said front member for supporting aplurality of separate workpieceengaging means whereby a workpieceengaged thereby is in operative relationship with the work-toolsupporting means.

4. A multipurpose power tool comprising: front plate and rear framemembers positioned in fixed, spaced-apart relationship providing atleast three points in a common plane for supporting the tool on a flatsurface in operative position; a tubular sleeve supported on the rearframe member; an electrically operated power unit containing rotatablework-tool supporting means adjacent one end thereof mounted in thesleeve for longitudinal and rotational movement relative thereto, saidrotational movement being through substantially 360 degrees, theworktool supporting means being offset from the axis of the sleeve;means for maintaining the power unit in selected rotational andtransverse positions relative to the sleeve; a work-tool passageway inthe front plate member in alignment with the work-tool supporting means;and means on said front plate member for supporting workpiece-engagingmeans whereby a workpiece engaged thereby is in operative relationshipwith the work-t0ol supporting means.

5. A multipurpose power tool comprising: front plate and rear framemembers positioned in fixed, spacedapart relationship providing at leastthree points in a common plane for supporting the tool on a flat surfacein operative position; a cylindrical sleeve having a front end and arear end supported on the rear frame member; an internal annular groovein the sleeve adjacent the front end thereof and at least one internallongitudinal groove extending from said annular groove to the rear endof the sleeve; an electrically operated power unit containing rotatablework-tool supporting means at one end thereof supported in the sleeve,said power unit in cluding a cylindrical housing provided withprojecting detent means received in said grooves whereby the power unithas controlled longitudinal movement and rotational movement through 360degrees relative to the sleeve, the work-tool supporting means beingoffset from the axis of said housing; means for maintaining the powerunit in selected position relative to the sleeve; and a work-toolpassageway in the front plate member in alignment with the work-toolsupporting means.

6. A multipurpose power tool comprising: front plate and rear framemembers positioned in fixed, spacedapart relationship providing at leastthree points in a common plane for supporting the tool on a fiat surfacein operative position; a tubular supporting sleeve having a cylindricalinner wall supported on the rear frame member; detent means projectinginwardly from said inner wall; an electrically operated power unitcontaining a cylindrical housing having a front end and a rear end, thepower unit having rotatable work-tool supporting means adjacent thefront end thereof offset from the axis of the housing; an externalannular groove in the housing adjacent the rear and thereof and at leastone external longitudinal groove therein extending from the annulargroove to the front end of the housing, said grooves receiving thedetent means whereby the power unit has controlled longitudinal androtational movement through 1 1 360 degrees relative to the supportingsleeve; and a worktool passageway in the front plate member in alignmentwith the work-tool supporting means.

7. A multipurpose power tool comprising: a framework containing frontand rear members in fixed, spacedapart relationship, the front memberincluding top and bottom edges in substantially parallel relationship,said top edge and the rear member providing at least three spaced-apartpoints in a first common plane for supporting the tool on a fiat surfacein a first operative position, said bottom edge and the rear memberproviding at least three spaced-apart points in a second common planefor supporting the tool on a flat surface in a second operativeposition; an electrically operated power unit containing rotatablework-tool supporting means supported on the rear member for controlledmovement toward and away from the front member; a work-tool passagewayin the front member in alignment with the work-tool supporting means;and means on said front member adjacent the top and bottom edges thereoffor supporting a plurality of different workpiece-engaging means wherebya workpiece engaged thereby is inoperative relationship with theworktool supporting means.

8. A multipurpose power tool comprising: a framework containing frontand rear members in fixed, spacedapart relationship, the front memberincluding top and bottom edges in substantially parallel relationship,said top edge and the rear member providing at least three spaced-apartpoints in a first common plane for supporting the tool on a flat surfacein a first operative position, said bottom edge and the rear memberproviding at least three spaced-apart points in a second common planefor supporting the tool on a flat surface in a second operativeposition; an electrically operated power unit containing rotatablework-tool supporting means supported on the rear member for controlledmovement toward and away from the front member; a Work tool passagewayin the front member in alignment with the Worktool supporting means; andworkpiece-engaging means removably and adjustably mounted on said frontmember adjacent one edge thereof for supporting a workpiece in operativerelationship with the work-tool supporting means.

9. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 1 in which the meansfor supporting the workpiece-engaging means includes a plurality ofspaced-apart apertures for receiving rods with workpiece-engaging means;and selectively operable retaining means associated with the aperturesfor maintaining the rods received therein in predetermined positionrelative to the front plate member.

10. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 7 in which the meansfor supporting the workpiece-engaging means includes a plurality ofspaced-apart apertures for receiving rods with workpiece-engaging means;and selectively operable retaining means for maintaining the rodsreceived therein in predeterminedposition relative to the front member.

11. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 2 in whichthe'f'ront plate member contains rod-receiving apertures and theworkpiece-engaging means comprises: a vise member containing a viseplate provided with a work-tool receiving opening, and a plurality ofguide rods extending from the vise plate and into the rod-receivingapertures in the front plate member.

12. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 2 in which the frontplate member contains rod-receiving apertures and the workpiece-engagingmeans comprises: a vise member containing a vise plate with opposededges provided with a work-tool receiving opening; a plurality of guiderods extending from the vise plate and into the rod-receiving aperturesin the front plate member; and Work-supporting means mounted on the visemember.

13. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 12 in which theWork-supporting means comprises: a fence of L-shaped cross sectionhaving a base portion and a side portion formed integral therewith; astationary jaw element fastened to one end of said base portion forholding engagement with one of said edges of the vise plate; and amovable jaw element adjustably mounted adjacent the other end of saidbase portion for holding engagement with another of said edges of thevise plate, whereby the side portion of the rip fence projects from thevise plate in work-supporting position.

14. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 2 in which theworkpiece-engaging means comprises a table mounted on the front platemember, and saw means are positioned adjacent the outer face of thefront plate member and operatively connected to the work-tool supportingmeans.

15. A multipurpose power tool comprising in combination: a frameworkcontaining front and rear end members in spaced-apart relationship, thefront member having a top edge and opposed side edge portions, saidfront and rear end members supporting the framework on a fiat surface inan operative position; an elongated electrically operated power unithaving a front end and a rear end mounted on the rear end member fortransverse movement relative thereto and toward and away from the frontend member, the front end of the power unit containing rotatablework-tool supporting means and the rear end thereof being provided witha handle; a work-tool passageway in the front end member in alignmentwith the tool-supporting means; opposed pin-receiving recesses providedin the side edge portions of the front member adjacent the top edgethereof; a work table pivotally and removably mounted on the front endmember, said work table containing a fixed pin positioned in one of saidpinreceiving recesses and a movable pin removably positioned in theother of said recesses; and means for maintaining the work table inselected pivoted position relative to the framework.

16. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 15 in which themovable pin is contained on the end of a latch bolt which is slidablypositioned in a housing fastened to the table.

17. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 15 in which thepower unit is also rotatable relative to the rear end member and thework-tool supporting means is offset from the axis of rotation of saidpower unit so that the distance between the table and thework-toolsupporting means is varied by rotating the unit relative to therear end member.

18. A multipurpose power tool'as set forth in claim 15 which includesmeans for maintaining the power unit in selected position relative tothe rear end member.

19. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 2 including a sabersaw assembly mounted on the outer face of the front end member adjacentthe work-tool pass-ageway, said assembly containing a drive shaftconnected to the work-tool supporting means; and in which tool the frontplate member contains rod-receiving apertures and the workpiece-engagingmeans comprises a vise member containing a vise plate having a pluralityof guide rods extending therefrom and into the rod-receiving aperturesin the front plate member for maintaining a workpiece in predeterminedcutting position relative to said saber saw assembly.

20. A multipurpose power tool comprising in cornlaination: a frameworkcontaining front and rear end members in spacedaapa-rt relationship, thefront end member having an outer face and said end members togethersupporting the framework on a flat surface in an operative position, anelongated electrically operated power unit having a front end and a rearend mounted on the rear end member, the front end of the unit containingworktool supporting means; a Work-tool passageway in the front endmember in alignment with the tool-supporting means; a plurality ofrod-receiving apertures in the fnont end member adjacent the work-toolpassageway, the axes of said apertures being substantially parallel withthe asserts 13 axis of the power unit; means associated with theapertures for maintaining the rods received therein in selected positionrelative to the front end member; a vise member including a vise platehaving opposed side edges and an upper edge; guide rods extending fromthe vise plate into the rod-reeeiving apertures in the front end member;a table removably mounted on the vise plate at the upper edge thereof;and an abrasive wheel mounted in the worktool supporting means so as tobe positioned adjacent the outer face of the front end member and abovethe table.

21. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim in which the viseplate contains opposed pin-receiving recesses in the opposed side edgesadjacent the upper edge, and the table contains a fixed pin positionedin one of said recesses and a movable pin positioned in the other ofsaid recesses.

22. A multipurpose power tool comprising in combination: a frameworkcontaining front and rear end members in spaced-apart relationship, thefront member having an outer face; an elongated electrically operatedpower unit having :a front end and a rear end mounted on the rear endmember for transverse movement relative thereto and toward and away fromthe front end member, the front end of the unit containing worktoolsupporting means and the rear end being provided with a handle; aworktool passageway in the front end member in alignment wi h thetool-supporting means; a plurality of rod-receiving apertures in therear end member; .a vise member including a vise plate having an outerface and an inner face, a plurality of guide rods extending from theinner face of the vise plate and into the apertures in the rear endmember whereby the framework is supported on the outer face of the viseplate with the front end member positioned above the rear end member;and a table mounted on the front end member adjacent the outer facethereof.

23. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 22 in which thefront end member contains side edge portions provided with opposedpin-receiving recesses, and the table contains a fixed pin positioned inone of said recesses and a movable pin positioned in the other of saidrecesses.

24. A multipurpose power tool, comprising: a framework containing frontand rear end members in fixed, spaced-apart relationship, said frontmember having opposed top and bottom edges and side edges adjacent thetop edge; an elongated electrically operated Power unit having a frontend and a rear end mounted on the framework for longitudinal movementrelative thereto, the front end of said power unit containing work-toolsupporting means; a work-tool passageway in the front end member inalignment with the tool-supporting means, said front and rear endmembers supporting the framework on a flat surface in an operativeposition with the axis of the power unit substantially parallel withsaid flat surface; a

plurality of apertures in the front end member for receiving rods withwork-engaging means associated therewith, the axes of said aperturesbeing substantially parallel with the \axis of the power unit; meansassociated with the apertures for maintaining the rods received thereinin selected position; and opposed pin-receiving recesses in the sideedges of the front end member for selectively supporting a work table onsaid member.

25. A multipurpose power tool, comprising: a framework containing frontand rear end members, said front member having an outer face andcontaining a work-tool passageway; an elongated electrically operatedpower unit having a front end and a rear end mounted on the frameworkfor longitudinal movement relative thereto, the front end of said powerunit containing work-tool supporting means, the front and rear endmembers supporting the framework on a flat surface in an operativeposition with the axis of the power unit substantially parallel withsaid flat surface; means on the front end member for mounting a sabresaw on the outer face thereof in registry with the work-tool passagewayand with the drive means of the saw connected to said work-toolsupporting means; a plurality of apertures in the front end member forreceiving rods with work-engaging means associated therewith, the axisof said apertures being substantially parallel with the axis of thepower unit; and means associated with the apertures for maintaining therods received therein in selected position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS541,349 Gardner June 18, 1895 1,506,154 Berthelsen et a1 Aug. 26,19241,651,995 Casey Dec. 6, 1927 1,662,608 Hill Mar. 13, 1928 1,679,103Thomson July 31, 1928 1,697,669 'Iautz Jan. 1, 1929 1,712,049 Robb May7, 1929 1,729,324 Bates Sept. 24, 1929 1,864,840 Lehner June 28, 19321,896,924 Ulrich Feb. 7, 1933 2,166,703 Bocie July 18, 1939 2,166,831Wazac July 18, 1939 2,622,638 Sanders Dec. 23, 1952 2,623,269Goldsehmiclt Dec. 30, 1952 2,630,151 Turnbull Mar. 3, 1953 2,705,513Moeller Apr. 5, 1955 2,799,305 Groehn July 16, 1957 2,842,171 Weilcartet I31 July 8, 1958 2,905,213 Levine Sept. 22, 1959 2,913,025 RichardsNov. 17, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 241,434 Great Britain Oct. 22, 1925

2. A MULTIPURPOSE POWER TOOL COMPRISNG: FRONT PLATE AND REAR FRAMEMEMBERS POSITIONED IN FIXED, SPACED-APART RELATIONSHIP PROVIDING ATLEAST THREE POINTS IN A COMMON PLANE FOR SUPPORTING THE TOOL ON A FLATSURFACE IN OPERATIVE POSITION; AN ELECTRICITY OPERATED POWER UNITCONTAINING A SHAFT WITH ROTATABLE WORK-TOOL SUPPORTING MEANS SUPPORTEDON THE REAR FRAME MEMBER FOR AXIAL MOVEMENT TOWARD AND AWAY FROM THEFRONT PLATE MEMBER, THE AXIS OF SAID SHAFT BEING SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLELWITH THE AFOREMENTIONED COMMON PLANE WHEREBY THE SAME IS SUBSTANTIALLYPARALLEL WITH THE FLAT SURFACE ON WHICH THE TOOL MAY BE POSITIONED; AWORK-TOOL PASSAGEWAY IN THE FRONT PLATE MEMBER IN ALIGNMENT WITH THEWORK-TOOL SUPPORTING MEANS; AND WORKPIECE-ENGAGING MEANS REMOVABLY ANDADJUSTABLY MOUNTED ON SAID FRONT PLATE MEMBER FOR SUPPORTING A WORKPIECEIN OPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE WORK-TOOL SUPPORTING MEANS.